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Aimee Crocker with one of her many prized pampered French bulldogs.

I’m taking the Hatching Cat on the road again with a new presentation for dog lovers. My first presentation of The Dames and Damsels of Old New York and the Lap Dogs They Adored will be on Thursday, May 11, 6:30 p.m., at the Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick, New York.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, lap dogs were extremely popular with socialites and starlets of stage and screen. Pet dogs were as much a status symbol for these wealthy ladies as were their diamonds and pearls. Many–if not most–of these women loved their dogs more than their husbands (and their children, if they had any).

In this hour-long presentation, I will wind the audience through the streets of Old New York as I share amazing stories of eight wealthy and eccentric women of New York City’s Gilded Age and the dogs they adored. Hear about:

The monkey griffon that opened the door for all pets at the Plaza Hotel

The French poodle with a $1 million dog yard on Fifth Avenue

The terrier that inspired Margaret Wise Brown’s last picture book

And 5 more fascinating dog tales

Fun for dog lovers and New York City history fans alike!

Remember, if you know of a library or nonprofit group (eg, animal shelter, historical society) in the New York City area that you think would be interested in this presentation, please contact me and let me know.